MAY – ALUMNI CONNECTION

The Pleitz brothers are three high achievers to whom Vanguard is proud to lay claim as alumni. Jacob, Josh and Jordan are making their marks in the fields of psychology, law and medicine.

Cathy and Dan Pleitz, the parents of these three successful brothers, believe a Vanguard education was an invaluable investment they made in their children’s futures. “Jacob, Josh and Jordan were surrounded by an excellent peer group and had the study skills instilled in them, which led them to be successful in their academic careers.” Cathy and Dan also appreciate “the creative freedom our sons were given to learn” about what interested them and pursue their passions.

JACOB

Jacob Pleitz graduated from Vanguard in 2002. He attended Baylor University for his bachelor’s degree and attended the University of Oklahoma for his master’s and PhD in Quantitative Psychology.
Jacob is currently a statistician with the Department of Institutional Research at Virginia Tech.

Vanguard was an incredible experience for Jacob. He writes, “the hands-on, small classroom environment combined with dedicated and caring teachers was a blessing. The freedom that Vanguard granted its students was a great way to learn responsibility and how to balance having fun with studying and performing well academically. I felt very prepared when I came to college, because Vanguard allowed me certain freedoms like off-campus lunch and the senior lounge, which were not available at other schools. This created a sense of personal responsibility that I carried with me throughout my higher educational track. I still maintain relationships with many of my classmates, and it is incredible to see how well they are succeeding in the career world.”

Jacob offers some advice to current Vanguard students: “Have fun and appreciate the incredibly unique experience Vanguard provides. High school is a unique and
wonderful experience to learn both inside and outside of the classroom and Vanguard does an incredible job of providing an environment to encourage this.”

JOSH

Josh Pleitz also graduated from Vanguard in 2002. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Arizona State University where he developed an interest in law during a legal theory class he took during his junior year. Subsequently, Josh attended law school at the University of Texas.
Josh is currently working in the Dallas office of Norton Rose Fulbright Law firm. He focuses on securities law and mergers and acquisitions.

Josh writes, “Vanguard was a fun environment, but I had to study diligently to make the grades. Vanguard truly teaches you how to succeed in college, which is the starting point to succeeding professionally. From day one at ASU, I knew what was expected of me and that I had the tools to succeed. I was struck by how many of my college classmates had a hard time because they ‘never learned how to study.’ I cannot imagine that ever being the case for a Vanguard student who takes advantage of all that Vanguard has to offer, from the wonderful teachers to the demanding curriculum.”

Josh’s advice for current Vanguard students: “Try to strike the right balance between having fun and developing the skills that will carry you through the rest of your life.”

JORDAN

Jordan Pleitz graduated from Vanguard in 2003. He then attended Baylor University for his bachelor’s degree. Josh went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

Jordan is currently completing his residency in Otolaryngology, specializing in head and neck surgery at the University of Kentucky in their Department of Otolaryngology.

Jordan writes of his academic journey, “I was introduced to Otolaryngology, a surgical specialty addressing disorders of the ear, nose, and throat along with head and neck cancer. I finished medical school in 2011, and began my residency later that year. Residency training has been a great experience. I have really enjoyed being able to develop my surgical skills while making connections with colleagues and mentors, which I will keep throughout my career. After graduation, I will be joining the Baylor Scott & White team in Round Rock, Texas. Although I plan on treating a large variety of ENT conditions, I will most likely focus on both sinus and ear disease along with facial plastic surgery.”

Jordan married Texas-native and Baylor University alumna, Krystle. She worked within the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Kentucky until giving birth to their son Hudson. They are expecting a second baby boy this fall.

“Vanguard did an excellent job of teaching me how to work hard and stay focused. My experience there really helped me stay on top of things in college during my pre-med course work. The work ethic and study habits I began developing while at Vanguard have been a huge help while preparing for exams in both medical school and residency.”

Jordan cites his favorite Vanguard memory as “either grilling out during softball games or Mr. Keith Henry’s Texas History class.”

Jordan offers advice that is a common thread among Vanguard alumni who share a common thirst for knowledge: “try to learn as much as possible at every stage in your education and training.”

Alumni are a vital part of the Vanguard family, and we would love to hear from you.

Send us updates about your address, career, family, and achievements. Contact the school if you can help plan your class reunion, need contact information, or submit nominations for Vanguard’s Distinguished Alumnus. Please fill out the three minute Vanguard Alumni Survey.We appreciate our Vanguard School Alumni.